Growth Increments With Low Dose Intermittent Growth Hormone and Fluoxymesterone in First Year of Therapy in Hypopituitarism

[摘要] The availability of a commercial preparation of human growth hormone (hGH) prompted a study in children with hypopituitarism to determine the efficacy of a lower dose of hGH. Thirteen children, ages 4 years 3 months to 13 years 7 months, were given hGH concomitant with fluoxymesterone in an intermittent regimen. The hGH was given intramuscularly, 1 IU daily for 12 to 36 days in each course. There were four courses per year. The fluoxymesterone was given orally, 1 to 2 mg. The total amount of hGH administered was between 48 and 112 IU per year, as compared with the regimen of 312 IU per year, 2 units three times a week. The growth velocity in all 13 children improved, and the mean growth velocity was 6.4 cm ± 1.13 SD. The mean bone age increment was 0.57 years ± 0.14 SEM in one chronological year of therapy. The low dose regimen permits a significant reduction in cost of hGH without causing undue advance in bone age.

[学科分类] 儿科学